Cops may add stalking charge against Wadia

Seek legal opinion in view of Zinta’s claim that before May 30 incident, she warned him through email not to follow her.

Preity Zinta’s allegation that Wadia was warned by her to behave and stop following her through a series of e-mails, sources said. (Source: Express Photo )

The Marine Drive police are contemplating adding charges of stalking against Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia and are seeking legal opinion on Preity Zinta’s allegation that Wadia was warned by her to behave and stop following her through a series of e-mails, sources said.

The investigating team will seek copies of alleged emails that Zinta claimed she sent Wadia over a period of time, asking him to stop following her. “We will study the contents of the emails and see if it fits into section 354 (d) of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013,” said a senior official.

The police have also got in touch with Indian Premier League (IPL) CEO Sunder Raman, who has verbally confirmed her allegations, sources said. Raman though has said he was not present at Garware Pavillion stands at the time of the alleged incident and had not seen anything, but was aware of the details as Zinta had “verbally informed” him on the same evening.

Police have pressed charges under sections 509 and 354 (outraging a woman’s modesty), 504 (breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Wadia based on Zinta’s complaint alleging that her industrialist ex-boyfriend harassed her in public view at Garware Pavillion on May 30.

“We have asked Preity Zinta to provide us with the copies of the series of e-mails exchanged between the two. She has said these emails were sent before the incident where she had specifically asked him to stay away from her. We will have to then verify the details in the emails,” said a police officer from the Marine Drive police station.

Zinta, meanwhile, has been asked to cut short her US trip and make herself present for a spot panchnama at Garware Pavilion, officials said, adding that she is expected to be taken to the crime scene as soon as she arrives.

According to officials, Raman has also been called to Marine Drive Police Station on Thursday to record his statement. “When he was informed by her, Sundar Raman had told Zinta to stay cool. He had asked her to think over it and promised they would deal with it later,” said the officer.

Meanwhile, officials have sent certain sections of the CCTV footage for clarity correction to experts as many faces still remain unclear, said officers.

Among cricket authorities, officials at Kings XI Punjab have been asked to give their guest list and seat reservation status.
Interestingly, Zinta and Wadia are seen in the footage from cameras from other neighbouring stands as Garware Stand doesn’t have CCTVs directed on its guests, said officials.